Hormones and Metabolism

Slow Metabolism (Low Metabolic Rate)

The metabolism is all the chemical reactions that occur in the body to sustain life. In the process heat is generated as energy is expended. A measure of the amount of heat generated over time is a direct indication of the energy expenditure and this is known as the metabolic rate. The process of energy production requires >> Read More ...

Overactive Thyroid Gland (Hyperthyroidism, Thyrotoxicosis)

The thyroid gland is a double-lobed gland that lies just below and in front of the voice box. It resembles a fatty mass and can extend to the upper part of the chest cavity. An abnormally enlarged thyroid gland is known as a goiter and is often an indication of a diseased state. This rather unassuming gland has several >> Read More ...

Virilization (Masculinization) in Women

Male sex hormones known as androgens are present in both males and females. In men, the testes produces most of the androgens with small amounts contributed by the adrenal glands. In women, both the adrenal glands and ovaries produce androgens but the more significant quantity is the adrenal androgens. Disorders that give >> Read More ...

Cortisol Tests (Blood, Urine, Saliva)

Cortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone produced by the cortex of the adrenal glands. It has diverse functions influencing nutrient metabolisms, inflammatory processes in the body and immunity. Cortisol secretion is regulated by the presence of adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) which is secreted by the anterior pituitary >> Read More ...

Low Cortisol Levels (Hypocortisolism), Adrenal Insufficiency

Cortisol is one of the sterol hormones known as glucocorticoids secreted by the outer cortex of the adrenal gland. These small glands sit on top of each kidney and secrete several important hormones. Cortisol is known to have a wide range of effects on carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolisms as well as regulates the >> Read More ...

Underactive Pituitary Gland (Hypopituitarism), Hormone Deficiency

The pituitary gland is the small pea-sized gland located at the base of the skull. It produces many trophic hormones – these are hormones which act on other endocrine glands in order to stimulate or suppress hormonal activity. Its effect on multiple systems and almost all the other endocrine glands in the body has >> Read More ...

Overactive Pituitary Gland (Hyperpituitarism), Pituitary Adenomas

The pituitary gland is located in the cranial cavity in a groove at the base of the skull known as the sella turnica. It is a very small pea-sized gland rarely weighing more than 1 gram. Lying above and just behind the pituitary gland is the hypothalamus which is equally important in that it monitors various signals and >> Read More ...

High Cortisol Levels (Hypercortisolism, Cushing Syndrome)

The Hormone Cortisol Cortisol is the main type of glucocorticoid – a group of hormones secreted by the outer cortex portion of the adrenal glands that sit on top of each kidney. These glucocorticoids are sterol hormones and cortisol (hydrocortisone) is a natural corticosteroid. Cortisol secretion is almost entirely >> Read More ...

High Prolactin Levels (Hyperprolactinemia) in Men and Women

The Hormone Prolactin Prolactin is s hormone synthesized and secreted from the lactotroph cells in the anterior pituitary gland. It is also produced by various other tissues in the body but to a far lesser degree than in the anterior pituitary. There are three forms of prolactin in the body which differ by molecular >> Read More ...

Adrenal Fatigue (Exhaustion) Syndrome Causes and Symptoms

The concept of adrenal fatigue or adrenal exhaustion is highly controversial. However, it continues to attract much media attention and there are scores of websites and books dedicated to the subject of adrenal fatigue. There is much debate as to whether many of the signs and symptoms attributed to adrenal fatigue syndrome >> Read More ...

« 1 2 3 4 5 6 … 14 »